2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Nairobi — May

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

May is a wet time to visit Nairobi. Warm weather with highs of 25°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

7.9
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

16°C

Rainy days

13days

Daylight

12.1h

Rainfall

92mm

Sunshine

10.2h/day

Humidity

77%

Humid
Sun Strength

7.1

Very High
Wind

12 km/h (gusts 28)

Is May a good time to visit Nairobi?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:28

Sunset

18:32

12.1h daylight

Visiting Nairobi in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Nairobi Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 26°C 15°C 8d (48mm) 11h
69% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Feb 28°C 15°C 5d (31mm) 11.1h
62% Moderate
9.5 Very High
Excellent
Mar 28°C 16°C 9d (50mm) 11h
64% Moderate
9.2 Very High
Good
Apr 26°C 17°C 21d (137mm) 10.1h
77% Humid
7.6 Very High
Wet
May Current 25°C 16°C 13d (92mm) 10.2h
77% Humid
7.1 Very High
Wet
Jun 23°C 14°C 5d (27mm) 9.9h
73% Humid
6.6 High
Excellent
Jul 22°C 14°C 4d (19mm) 7.8h
72% Humid
5.6 High
Excellent
Aug 23°C 13°C 5d (23mm) 8.6h
69% Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Sep 25°C 14°C 4d (31mm) 10h
66% Humid
7.9 Very High
Excellent
Oct 26°C 15°C 6d (27mm) 10.9h
63% Moderate
8.7 Very High
Excellent
Nov 25°C 16°C 14d (67mm) 10.5h
73% Humid
7.8 Very High
Wet
Dec 26°C 15°C 6d (28mm) 10.9h
71% Humid
8.5 Very High
Good

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5.6

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Nairobi – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Nairobi

Urban hub with easy access to classic East-African safaris. Discover Nairobi National Park.

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What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Nairobi?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Nairobi?
May is typically wet for visiting Nairobi, with average highs of 25°C and around 13 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Nairobi in May?
Evenings in Nairobi during May are mild at 16°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Nairobi in May?
With highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in May?
Nairobi typically sees around 13 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Nairobi in May?
In May, Nairobi gets approximately 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Nairobi?
No, May is not peak season in Nairobi. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Nairobi)

Last Updated: February 2026

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